August 2025

NDIA Sector Update – 27/08/25

New Thriving Kids Initiative

The Australian Government has launched the Thriving Kids initiative to support children aged 8 and under with mild to moderate developmental delay or autism. This new program aims to improve early identification and provide consistent support nationwide, while children with permanent and significant disabilities will continue to receive assistance through the NDIS. The program’s final design will be developed in collaboration with state and territory governments, experts, and the Thriving Kids Advisory Group.

Participant Service Guarantee Updates

The Participant Service Guarantee webpage has been updated with new information on the NDIA’s performance and improvements against service standards.

Quality Supports Program Pilots

The NDIA is investing up to $20 million in grant funding for registered therapy support providers as part of the Quality Supports Program. This initiative aims to ensure a high-quality, diverse disability support market with fair pricing. Two pilot programs for Supported Independent Living and support coordination providers have also started, gathering data to guide future pricing reforms.

Supported Decision-Making Hub

A new online hub has been launched to help participants make informed decisions with confidence. The hub offers over 200 resources across topics such as employment, accommodation, and navigating NDIS supports.

Justice Liaison Officer and Travel Cost Updates

Information on Justice Liaison Officers has been updated, along with new Easy Read versions of travel and therapy travel cost guides to improve accessibility.

Provider Access Changes

The NDIA is transitioning from Provider Digital Access (PRODA) to the new myID and Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) systems for provider verification and authorisation. Read more in an NDIS news post. 

NDIS Data Releases

The latest Quarterly Report for April to June 2025 shows progress in participant experience and planning improvements, now supporting over 739,000 Australians. Updated state and territory statistics and participant dashboards are available for detailed insights.

Co-design and First Nations Strategy

Ongoing co-design work continues, with a focus on improving outcomes and cultural safety for First Nations people through the First Nations Strategy 2025–30 and the establishment of a First Nations Consultation Group.

Upcoming NDIS Webinars

• Pathways to Post School Life (27 August)

• Self-Managing an NDIS Plan (multiple sessions in September)

These free sessions help participants, families, and carers understand available supports and plan management options. Registration is open online.

New Resources

A video explaining recent changes to impairment information legislation is now available on YouTube.

NDIA Sector Update – 08/08/25

Existing Partner Agreements Extended to June 2027

The NDIA is pleased to announce that existing agreements with our community partners have been extended until 30 June 2027. These extensions ensure ongoing support for people with disability and NDIS participants as reforms continue to improve outcomes across the Scheme. For more details, visit the NDIS website.

Fair Work Ombudsman Disability Support Services Inquiry

The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched an inquiry into compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009 by employers and platform providers in the disability support services sector.

Phase One of the inquiry involves mapping the sector and understanding the main causes of non-compliance. This phase focuses on actively listening to:

• Workers providing care to people with disabilities

• Businesses employing these workers

• Individuals who use these services

For more information, please watch the short video.

Reference Group Updates

• Independent Advisory Council (IAC) Meeting – 26 June 2025
  The Easy Read bulletin from the latest IAC meeting is now available.
  Read the summary on the IAC website.

• IAC First Nations Reference Group Meeting – 11-12 June 2025
  The Easy Read bulletin from this meeting is now available.
  Read the summary on the IAC website.

• IAC Children, Young People and Families Reference Group Meeting – 3-4 June 2025
  The Easy Read bulletin from this meeting is now available.
  Read the summary on the IAC website.

Co-design Update

Participant Safeguarding Co-design Working Group Meeting – 24 June 2025
This group includes participants, IAC members, and DRCO representatives. They provide advice and share lived experiences to support improvements to risk and safeguarding, aligned with new planning pathway reforms.

Read the full meeting summary on the NDIS website.

Upcoming NDIS Events

Understanding the NDIS Webinar Series: Pathways to Post-School Life
These webinars are designed for participants, nominees, families, and carers to explore pathways after school.

Dates and Times:

• Tuesday 12 August 2025 – 1:00pm – 2:00pm AEST

• Thursday 21 August 2025 – 10:00am – 11:00am AEST

• Wednesday 27 August 2025 – 6:00pm – 7:00pm AEST

To attend, please register online via the NDIS Webinar Series page.

New Resources Available

We have released two new videos to help explain important legislative changes:

• Funding Periods – available on YouTube

• NDIS Supports – available on YouTube

These videos contain information accurate as of Friday, 1st August 2025 and will be updated regularly.